About Greece Visa
Greece is known for its rich history dating back to ancient civilisations, beautiful islands, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. It has become one of the popular tourist destinations among Indians. The first step to visiting this beautiful country is to obtain a Greece visa. Before we discuss the visa requirements and process, let's take a quick look at some key facts about Greece.
| Key Facts | Description |
| Country | Greece |
| Currency | Euro (Approx 1 Euro = 89.72 INR) |
| Time Zone | Greece is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind IST (Indian Standard Time) |
| Capital City | Athens |
| Official Languages | Greek |
| Popular Tourist Destinations | The Acropolis in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini |
Greece Visa Fees
The fee for a Greece visa varies depending on the type of visa:
| Visa Type | Fee |
| Short Term Visa (Type C) | EUR 90 ; INR 8,100 |
| Long Term Visa (Type D) | Study - EUR 90; INR 8,100 Employment type A - EUR 180; INR 16,200 Employment type B - EUR 75; INR 6,750 |
Note: Please note that additional Service charges of INR 2,700 may apply.
*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Features of a Greece Visa
Here are some unique features of a Greece visa:
- Travel to Multiple European Countries on a Schengen Visa: When travelling to Greece for tourism, you will need a Schengen Visa. This visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries.
- Greece Travel Medical Insurance Requirement: Ensure you have a medical insurance policy with a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage, valid for your visa's entire duration/validity.
Documents Required for a Greece Visa
Applying for a Greece visa requires several important documents. However, these will vary depending on the kind of Greece visa you need. Let's have a look at what they are:
Tourist Visa/Business (Short stay Type C Schengen Visa)
- Application form, completed and signed.
- Two passport photos that meet Greek government requirements & 3.5 x 4 cm against a white background
- Passport valid for 3 months after return date; issued less than 10 years ago
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial funds & bank statements or tax returns
- Return flight ticket to India
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip
- Birth certificate (if minor)
- Certificate of travel agent confirming the booking or any other proof confirming the travel plans
- Application signed by both parents (if minor)
Employment /Student Visa (Long-Term National D Type Visa)
- Application form completed and signed.
- Two passport photos that meet Greek government requirements — 3.5 x 4 cm against a white background
- Passport valid for 3 months after the return date
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial funds (a minimum of EUR 400 per month during the duration of the course)
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip
- Proof of admission to a Greek university/college (students)
- Student card/certificate from the university/college where the student is enrolled
- Invitation letter by Greek company (employment)
- Payslip, Employment Letter (employment visa)
- Police Clearance Certificate (if staying for more than 3 months)
Greece Visa Types
There are several types of visas available to Indians travelling to Greece. The type you apply for will depend on the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. Here's a look at them:
| Visa Type | Description | Validity |
| Short-Stay Type C Schengen Visa | For tourism, business meetings, meeting family or friends, etc. | Valid for up to 90 days within 180 day period |
| Long-Term National D Visa | For employment, study, academic research purposes, etc. | For more than 3 months |
Note: Always remember that requirements and processing times may vary, so please check with the official website for the most accurate information.
Who can Apply for a Greece Visa?
The following categories of people can apply for a Greece visa:
- Indian citizens residing in India who wish to visit, stay, work, study or transit through Greece
- Indians living abroad, who meet the eligibility requirements for their Greece visa.
- Individuals visiting Greece for tourism, business, work, or study purposes.
How to Apply for a Greece Visa
Getting a visa for Greece involves several steps. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify Your Greece Visa Type
Determine what type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit to Greece. This could include a tourist visa, business visa, study visa, or any other relevant category.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
Complete the online application form. Provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays or complications.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Put together all the supporting documents required for your visa application — valid passport, passport-sized photos, greece travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial proofs and any document specific to your Greece visa type.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
Contact the nearest visa application centre for Greece and schedule an appointment for your visa application submission. In India, it is the GVCW Visa Application Center.
Step 5: Attend Your Greece Visa Appointment
On the day of your appointment, make sure to arrive on time and bring along your completed visa application form and all supporting documents.
Step 6: Pay Your Greece Visa Application Fee
Pay your Greece visa application fee during the visa appointment. This fee is non-refundable. The processing time can vary and usually depends on the volume of applications received. Be patient during this time. It usually takes anywhere from 15 to 45 days.
How to Check Greece Visa Status?
Once you have submitted your application, you can check its status online using your application ID and passport number. This tracking system allows you to monitor your application progress and know when your passport is ready for collection.
Following are the steps to track your application.
- Visit the official website’s page for Greece Visa Services.
- Enter your visa application details, which include your visa application and passport number.
- Click on “Submit“. It will display the status of your visa application.
Greece Visa for Indians: FAQs
-
Q: Can I extend my Greece visa?
Ans: Extensions may be possible under exceptional circumstances. Request one before the expiry of your current visa. -
Q: Can I work in Greece on a Tourist visa?
Ans: No, for employment purposes, a work visa is required. -
Q: How long does it take to process a Greece visa?
Ans: It usually takes 15-45 working days but can vary based on individual circumstances. -
Q: What happens if my Greece visa is refused?
Ans: You can appeal the decision if your visa is refused. However, you can re-apply for a visa after you have understood the reason behind your Schengen visa rejection. -
Q: Is travel insurance compulsory when visiting Greece?
Ans:Yes, Schengen travel insurance of EUR 30,000 coverage is compulsory when visiting Greece.
Travel Insurance Companies
Aditya Birla
Bajaj General
Care
Cholamandalam MS
Digit
Future Generali
HDFC ERGO
ICICI Lombard
IFFCO Tokio
IndusInd General
National Insurance
New India Assurance
Niva Bupa
Oriental
Royal Sundaram
SBI General
Shriram General
Star
Tata AIG
United India
Universal Sompo
Zurich Kotak



